“We stand in solidarity with innocent civilians”: Cameroonian Catholic Archbishop on Deadly Market Explosion

He adds, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Chung Juliet who lost her life in this calculated barbaric incident. May she rest in perfect peace. We continue to pray for comfort, strength, and healing on those injured.”

“The senseless violence and loss of life caused by the ongoing Anglophone crises is devastating and painful. We stand in solidarity with the innocent civilians,” the Archbishop of Bamenda, who doubles as the President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) further says.

Cameroon’s English-speaking regions plunged into conflict in 2016 after a protest by lawyers and teachers turned violent. An armed movement of separatists claiming independence for the so-called republic of Ambazonia emerged following the government’s crackdown on protesters. 

School boycotts have become common in these areas, as have enforced moratoriums on public life known as "ghost towns".

In the September 20 statement, Archbishop Nkea says, “I have often said that the repeated attacks on innocent civilians will not solve the problem.”

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“We condemn all acts of violence and advocate for peace, dialogue, and reconciliation. I want to assure the people of Bamenda that they have not been abandoned by God,” he adds.

He calls on the perpetrators of such and similar acts to “deter from them and seek other peaceful ways to solve the crises.”

“A peaceful solution is the only way out; blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God. While condemning the killing of innocent civilians, we appeal to all to have respect for the sacredness and dignity of the human person,” the Catholic Church leader says.

He continues, “At this moment I assure you of my prayers and I implore you to hold firm to our God who never abandons or forgets his children.”

“May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace and Principal Patroness of Cameroon continue to intercede for us, so that true peace may return in our midst,” Archbishop Nkea further implores.